What is the primary nutritional function of the large intestine?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absorption of water. The primary nutritional function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the indigestible food residue that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption of water helps to form solid waste, which is then eliminated from the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the large intestine is not primarily responsible for the absorption of fats, excretion of waste products, or excretion of bacteria. While the large intestine does play a role in waste elimination and contains bacteria beneficial for digestion, its main function in terms of nutrition is the absorption of water.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bacteria found in the colon are important because they synthesize important vitamins, such as vitamin K. This aids in the body's overall health and functioning. Choice B is incorrect because absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the colon. Choice C is incorrect as the synthesis of minerals is not a primary function of colon bacteria. Choice D is incorrect as the digestion process mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Gas formation in the colon is primarily due to bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. Choice A, consuming refined foods, is incorrect as gas formation is not directly linked to refined foods but rather undigested carbohydrates. Choice B, drinking excess water, is incorrect as water consumption does not lead to gas formation in the colon. Choice C, swallowing air while eating, is incorrect as this may cause belching but not gas formation in the colon. The correct answer is D because bacterial action on organic compounds, specifically undigested carbohydrates, leads to gas production in the colon.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: fiber.' Feces are primarily made up of indigestible material, such as fiber. Bile (choice A) is produced by the liver to aid in digestion but is not a major component of feces. Enzymes (choice B) are involved in digestion but are not a significant component of feces. Chyme (choice D) is the semi-fluid mass of partially digested food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine and is not a major component of feces.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycogenolysis. Glycogenolysis is the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Glucogenesis (choice A) is not a term used in biochemistry. Glyconeogenesis (choice C) refers to the synthesis of new glucose molecules from non-carbohydrate sources, not the breakdown of glycogen. Gluconeogenesis (choice D) is the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, not the breakdown of glycogen.